A user may utilize a “home video on demand (HVOD)” service to distribute a video recorded using, e.g., a conventional camcorder, to desired viewers who have access to a broadband communications network, e.g., a cable TV network. The inventive system providing the HVOD service may receive from the user the video recording via email, postal mail, the Internet, computer transfer, etc. The inventive system converts the received video recording from its original video format to a uniform format, e.g., an MPEG-2 format. The converted video recording is stored in storage and made available to authorized viewers through the cable TV network.
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1. A method comprising the steps of: receiving, by a video-on-demand network, a home video from an originating user of a video service offered over said video-on-demand network; storing a content of said home video of said originating user in a first node of said video-on-demand network; obtaining, from said originating user, an identity of at least one subscriber of said video-on-demand network who is authorized to view said content of said home video of said originating user over said video-on-demand network, said at least one subscriber being other than said originating user; adding said at least one subscriber to an authorized end users table; modifying a menu of said at least one subscriber to make said content of said home video of said originating user available on said menu, wherein said menu of said at least one subscriber is modified to make said content of said home video from said originating user available based on said at least one subscriber being added to said authorized end users table; and responsive to a menu selection from said menu, providing said content of said home video of said originating user to said at least one subscriber, said at least one subscriber receiving said content of said home video of said originating user in a program stream transmitted through a transmission channel having a specified frequency band over said video-on-demand network at a second node of said video-on-demand network, said second node being different than said first node.
A video-on-demand (VOD) system allows users to share home videos with specific subscribers. The system receives a home video from a user and stores it on the VOD network. The user specifies which subscribers are authorized to watch the video. The system updates the authorized subscribers' menus to include the home video. When an authorized subscriber selects the video from their menu, the VOD system streams the video to the subscriber's device. The video is sent through a specified transmission channel and frequency band on the VOD network. The storage of the video and the streaming to the user occur at different locations (nodes) on the network.
2. The method of claim 1 , wherein, in said receiving step, said home video is received in an original video format, further comprising converting, in said video-on-demand network, said home video from said original video format to a selected video format suitable for transportation of said content of said home video through said video-on-demand network.
The video-on-demand (VOD) system from the previous description receives home videos in various original formats. The system automatically converts these videos into a standardized format suitable for streaming across the VOD network. This ensures compatibility and efficient delivery of the content. The method includes receiving, by a video-on-demand network, a home video from an originating user of a video service offered over said video-on-demand network; storing a content of said home video of said originating user in a first node of said video-on-demand network; obtaining, from said originating user, an identity of at least one subscriber of said video-on-demand network who is authorized to view said content of said home video of said originating user over said video-on-demand network, said at least one subscriber being other than said originating user; adding said at least one subscriber to an authorized end users table; modifying a menu of said at least one subscriber to make said content of said home video of said originating user available on said menu, wherein said menu of said at least one subscriber is modified to make said content of said home video from said originating user available based on said at least one subscriber being added to said authorized end users table; and responsive to a menu selection from said menu, providing said content of said home video of said originating user to said at least one subscriber, said at least one subscriber receiving said content of said home video of said originating user in a program stream transmitted through a transmission channel having a specified frequency band over said video-on-demand network at a second node of said video-on-demand network, said second node being different than said first node.
3. The method of claim 2 , wherein, in said providing step, said video-on-demand network comprises a cable television network.
A system and method for delivering video-on-demand content over a cable television network. The technology addresses the challenge of efficiently distributing on-demand video content to subscribers while managing network bandwidth and storage resources. The system includes a central server that stores a library of video content and a plurality of edge servers distributed across the network. The edge servers cache frequently requested content to reduce latency and bandwidth usage. When a subscriber requests a video, the system determines whether the content is available at an edge server closest to the subscriber. If not, the content is retrieved from the central server and delivered to the subscriber while being cached at the nearest edge server for future requests. The method optimizes content delivery by dynamically adjusting caching policies based on demand patterns, ensuring high-quality streaming with minimal buffering. The cable television network infrastructure enables seamless integration with existing broadcast systems, allowing for efficient use of available bandwidth. This approach improves user experience by reducing wait times and enhancing content availability while minimizing network congestion.
4. The method of claim 3 , wherein: said first node comprises a head end of said video-on-demand network; and in said providing step, said at least one subscriber receives said content of said home video from said head end at said second node, said second node comprising a set top terminal in a home of said at least one subscriber.
This invention relates to a video-on-demand (VOD) network system designed to enable subscribers to access and receive home video content from a centralized head end. The system addresses the challenge of efficiently distributing personalized video content to individual subscribers within a VOD network. The head end, acting as the primary distribution hub, stores and manages video content, including home videos uploaded by subscribers. The system provides a method for delivering this content to a subscriber's set-top terminal, which is located in the subscriber's home. The set-top terminal receives the requested video content directly from the head end, ensuring seamless access to personalized media. This approach streamlines content delivery by leveraging the existing VOD infrastructure, eliminating the need for additional storage or distribution nodes. The system ensures that subscribers can access their home videos on demand, with the head end handling content management and distribution, while the set-top terminal facilitates playback at the subscriber's location. This method enhances user experience by providing direct, efficient access to personalized video content within a VOD network.
5. The method of claim 4 , wherein, in said modifying step, said menu is stored in said head end.
Computer systems and networks are provided for managing and displaying menus, particularly in the context of video-on-demand or similar interactive services. Existing systems may face challenges in efficiently delivering and updating menu content to user devices. This invention addresses this by describing a method for modifying a menu. Specifically, after a prior step that involves modifying a menu, this method details that the menu, as modified, is stored in a head end. The head end is a central location within the network infrastructure responsible for managing and distributing content and services to end-users. Storing the modified menu at the head end allows for centralized control and efficient delivery to multiple user devices. This approach can improve the responsiveness and consistency of menu updates across the service.
6. The method of claim 3 , wherein: said first node comprises a hub of said video-on-demand network; and in said providing step, said at least one subscriber receives said content of said home video from said hub at said second node, said second node comprising a set top terminal in a home of said at least one subscriber.
A video-on-demand network system enables subscribers to access and receive home video content from a central hub. The system includes a first node acting as the hub, which stores and manages video content for distribution. A second node, located at a subscriber's home, comprises a set-top terminal that receives the requested video content from the hub. The hub processes and transmits the content to the subscriber's set-top terminal, allowing the subscriber to access the video-on-demand service. This method ensures efficient content delivery from a centralized hub to individual subscribers, enabling on-demand viewing of stored video content. The system may include additional nodes or components to facilitate content distribution, such as intermediate servers or network infrastructure, to ensure reliable and high-quality transmission of video data. The hub manages content storage, retrieval, and distribution, while the set-top terminal at the subscriber's location handles playback and user interaction. This approach optimizes resource utilization and enhances the user experience by providing seamless access to video content on demand.
7. The method of claim 6 , wherein, in said modifying step, said menu is stored in said hub.
A system and method for managing and storing user interface menus in a centralized hub to improve accessibility and efficiency. The technology addresses the problem of fragmented menu storage across multiple devices or applications, leading to inconsistencies, maintenance challenges, and user confusion. The invention provides a centralized hub that stores and manages menus, allowing for consistent access and updates across different platforms. The method involves modifying a menu by storing it in the hub, ensuring that the latest version is always available and can be retrieved or updated as needed. This approach simplifies menu management, reduces redundancy, and enhances user experience by providing a unified and up-to-date interface. The hub may also support additional features such as version control, customization, and synchronization across devices, further improving usability and efficiency. The invention is particularly useful in environments where multiple users or applications interact with the same menus, such as enterprise software, cloud-based systems, or multi-device applications. By centralizing menu storage, the system ensures consistency, reduces errors, and streamlines maintenance.
Cooperative Patent Classification codes for this invention. Click any code to explore related patents in that topic.
September 8, 2004
July 2, 2013
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